Holden suffers serious knee wound, could miss six months.

By Robert Wagman (in Washington, D.C.)SoccerTimes

(Monday, March 21, 2011) -- Stuart Holden, expected to be amidfield starter for the United States men this summer in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, is expected to be out for six months after sustaining a deep gash to his left knee sustained in an English Premier League match Saturday.

In the 75th minute of Bolton Wanderers' 1-0 loss to Manchester United, the Bolton midfielder and United defender Jonny Evans went after a ball on the ground, but Evans' boots were studs up and one bit deeply into the side of Holden's left knee. Teammates frantically waved medics onto the field and Holden was carried off the field on a stretcher before being taken immediately to a hospital. Evans was shown a red card.

Initial X-rays of Holden's knee and leg showed no broken bones. He was kept overnight with 26 stitches needed to close the cut before he was sent home. On Twitter, Holden wrote: "Just got home from hospital and last set of scans, all stitched up and awaiting the results. Thanks again for all your support. . . Not good news."

Today, he explained surgery was imminent: "I can promise you all I will come back stronger and better than before. Have had bad luck in the past and will continue to beat it."

The extent of his injury has not been released, but it is likely he suffered tendon damage. "First and foremost, our main concern is for Stuart and his recovery. He will get all the time and support that he needs," Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager, told the media. "Stuart has been outstanding for me this season and he has shown in his performances that he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. He has such desire, strength of character and a winning mentality, and he will draw on all those attributes in his rehabilitation."

Via Twitter, Holden said he did not think Evans tried to injure him. "Just had a sincere phone call from Jonny Evans wishing me the best in my recovery," he revealed, "(Definitely) wasn't intentional."

Two more American defenders playing in Europe will miss the upcoming U.S. friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay. Steve Cherundolo and Zak Whitbread have been dropped from the U.S. roster.

Both played full matches this weekend with their European clubs, but both are carrying minor injuries and will use the international match date weekend to mend further. Cherundolo has a groin strain and Whitbread is bothered by a sore back.